IPSWICH Central Library has joined other council buildings with the installation of rooftop solar.

The 200-kilowatt system on the Nicholas Street Precinct building, the largest of its kind on council infrastructure, has joined the rollout of solar at the administrative building at 1 Nicholas St and the Rosewood Library.

About 400 solar panels are expected to produce more than 270 megawatts of energy a year.

Environment and Sustainability Chairman Jim Madden said he was delighted to see the solar scheme.

“This will give council an estimated yearly saving of $29,000 on energy costs,” Cr Madden said.

He said environmental sustainability must remain a focus for council to “improve the quality of life and liveability for residents”.

“For example, the solar panel project at our 1 Nicholas St building is providing an $11,000 per year saving on council’s power bill and preventing 77 tonnes of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere,” he said.

“Other initiatives have included the running of more than 29,000 streetlights with wind-powered energy … and the replacing of more than 600 lights at Ipswich Art Gallery with energy-efficient LED alternatives.

“These initiatives align with our vision for Ipswich to be a cleaner and greener city.”